Requirements
Certified Dental Assistant
Admission requirements
Attendance at a program information session is highly recommended prior to application to this program.
When you apply you'll need:
- Grade 12 graduation or equivalent;
- Proof of a letter grade of “C” or higher in English 12, or EFP 12, or ENGL 092 & ENGL 094; or ENGL 092 & ENGL 096; or ENGL 103 & ENGL 104; or ENGL 103 & ENGL 106; or ENGL 140; or ELD 092 & ELD 094; or ELD 097; or assessment; and,
- Proof of a letter grade of “C” or higher in Biology 12 or BIOL 103.
A TB test, Hepatitis and flu vaccination are highly recommended and are available at your local health clinic or through your physician.
You should have basic computer literacy, including experience with keyboarding and basic Internet search, email skills and Windows prior to entering the program. Home access to a computer is helpful but not required. Computer labs are available.
If you’re missing some prerequisites, don’t worry! Alternative secondary school prerequisites and general upgrading are available right here at Camosun College. There are many options for you to consider:
Participation requirements
On the first day of class you are required to:
- All students must attend the program orientation or may risk losing their seat in the program;
- On the first day of class students are required to submit documentation to the CDA program of a completed, current Standard First Aid certificate. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that the CPR C portion of this certificate does not expire before the completion of the program; an annual CPR C Refresher course is highly recommended, and,
- All students must have a criminal record check done through the B.C. Government's Criminal Record
Review program.*
*Any Criminal Record Check done outside the College will NOT be accepted and will result in additional costs to the student. All students must have received a "clear" criminal record check letter from the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General. The Criminal Record Review Act requires that students registered in a post secondary program where they may be working with children and/or vulnerable adults must have a criminal record check done through the B. C. Government's criminal record review program. The Deputy Registrar of the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Policing and Community Safety Branch, is the authorized body under the Act to make the determination of risk. Any student found to be at risk by the Ministry will not be able to participate in clinical/practicum experiences, and thus, will not be able to continue in this program. Information regarding application for the appropriate Criminal Record Check will be provided by the college once the minimum admission requirements have been met. Students are responsible for the associated costs.
During the CDA program students will:
- Serve as practice clients and will receive a variety of treatments related to the practice of the CDA.
- Promote the CDA program Integrated Practice 3 (Public Clinic) and assist with the recruitment and screening of child clients for preventive appointments.
Notes:
- Interested students are advised to investigate the duties of a certified dental assistant by spending at least two days of observation in a dental office, thereby gaining a working understanding of the career.
- Attendance at a program information session is highly recommended prior to entry to
this program. - A TB skin test, Hepatitis and flu vaccination are highly recommended and are available at local health clinics or through a physician.
- It is strongly recommended that students have basic computer literacy, including experience with keyboarding and basic internet search and email skills.
- The work environment in which the CDA student/graduate will be employed requires extensive hand washing and silting for long periods of time. Any prospective students with serious skin disorders such as psoriasis, dermatitis or latex allergy should consider carefully before making application to this program. For the same reason, those with back, arm or neck problems or significant health challenges are advised to consult with the Chair.
- Facial and oral body piercing are discouraged due to the potential risk of infection.
- Late afternoon or evening classes may be scheduled.
Completion requirements
You must complete all CDA courses with at least a 70% (“B-”) in order to continue in the program and obtain a Certificate in Certified Dental Assistant.